Plant irrigation device

ABSTRACT

A plant irrigation device includes a support that surrounds a plant and provides an opening through which the plant extends. A drip tube is attached to the support and connectable to a water source. The drip tube has a series of spaced apart apertures or water emitters along a length thereof permitting water to exit the drip tube and into the ground surrounding the plant.

RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.16/434,587, filed Jun. 7, 2019, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S.application Ser. No. 15/190,770, filed on Jun. 23, 2016 (now U.S. Pat.No. 10,328,663), which claims the benefit of U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 62/186,000, filed Jun. 29, 2015.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to devices and systems fordistributing water for the irrigation of cultivated plants. Morespecifically, the present invention is directed to an efficientirrigation device that limits evaporation, directs water to the roots ofthe plants, and controls weeds.

There are many different systems in use today for distributing water forthe irrigation of cultivated plants, some of the systems being moreeffective and efficient than others. As water conservation increasinglybecomes more important due to drought conditions and resulting citywater use restrictions, there is a need for new devices and methodsmeant to very efficiently irrigate plants by not wasting water, but atthe same time effectively providing the plants with enough water to keepthem healthy.

A common method of watering plants is by hand. Conventional garden hosesor watering buckets are used for watering trees, shrubs, flowers, gardenplants, etc. While this method delivers water directly to the plants,preventing water from being wasted where it is not needed, it is verytime consuming and also wasteful in other ways. Irrigating plants inthis way delivers water at a rate that is often too high to allow thesoil and plant roots time to effectively absorb the water. Consequently,the resulting standing water is prone to evaporation or runoff.

Another common method of watering plants is by using sprinklers tosimulate rainfall. While this method is effective for watering a largearea of plants with little effort, it is also wasteful. Because thewater is sprayed across the air in small droplets, it is moresusceptible to evaporation, especially in dry climates. Also, the waterdroplets are not directed toward the roots of the plants where the wateris most needed and much of the water is blocked from the roots by theplants' foliage or lands in areas where it is not needed. Even in aslightest breeze, much of the water from sprinkler systems is blown offtarget and wasted. This is known as wind drift.

To help solve these problems drip irrigation systems have been developedand have been considered to be the most desirable form of irrigation.Drip irrigation systems are desirable because they have been shown tosave water, reduce labor, and are not as prone to evaporation or otherenvironmental effects as are other irrigation systems. Drip irrigationsystems are categorized as either line source or point sourcedissipation systems.

Line source dissipation systems, often referred to as soaker hose ordrip tape, dispense water uniformly across the entire length of thewater lines. This system is often used to water plants that are plantedin line and close together. The soaker hose efficiently waters theplants by dispensing water in small amounts to the roots of the plants.This allows for the soil and roots to soak up the water minimizingevaporation and runoff. However, this system presents a problem whenplants are spaced further apart because water is dispensed in unwantedareas.

Point source dissipation systems are designed to dispense water forplants that are spaced further apart and in scattered patterns. Waterimpermeable tubes extend from a main tube to the base of a plant wherethey have a dripper attached. This dripper drips water at the base of aplant when the system is turned on. This effectively waters plants thatare spaced further apart without wasting water; however, other problemsare presented with this system. Oftentimes water is not evenlydistributed to the roots resulting in the root system of the plants notdeveloping uniformly. Also, a standard drip emitter still releases morewater than the plants need and consequently the water is wasted throughrunoff or evaporation. Pulsed and “Ultra Low Drip Irrigation” systemshave been developed to solve this problem, but they require a great dealof maintenance as the drippers are easily clogged. These are also proneto damage and vandalism.

In addition to watering systems, the present invention relates to weedcontrol. There are various forms of mulch used in the home landscapingindustry with additional types produced for commercial agricultureapplications. The benefits of mulching include less water evaporation,less weeds, soil warming, and heat retention leading to earlier andhigher yields, erosion control, and a more uniform appearance. Types ofmulch include organic, plastic film, and irrigated mats.

Organic mulch, such as hardwood bark and pine needles, tend to be themost aesthetically pleasing, but organic mulch does have drawbacks. Forexample, it tends to quickly degrade in the environment, to wash awaywith heavy rains, or even to blow away with heavy winds.

Plastic mulch includes agricultural film, rings, and geotextiles. Theseare effective weed barriers and are preferred in most commercialapplications where they can be placed prior to planting. They are veryeffective at preventing soil erosion and provide weed control whileminimizing surface water evaporation. The perforated or woven versions,which are air and water permeable, are proving to be less desirable asweeds take root through the pores and cannot be removed.

To solve the problems presented by the drip systems and to combine thebenefits of mulch with drip irrigation, mat watering systems have beendeveloped. These systems provide for very little water waste as thewater delivered to the plant is controlled by the mat, preventingover-watering. Also, since the mat is covering the dispensed water andthe ground, water evaporation is not a problem. Since the mat is a formof mulch, it also acts as a weed controlling device as it prevents weedsfrom growing on the ground it covers.

One such mat watering system is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,997,402 toKruer et al., which teaches a unitized mat of at least two polymericmaterial layers which are sized and shaped to cover an area immediatelyaround at least one plant. The layers have an aperture for the plant togrow through and also an overlapping seam allowing the mat to completelycover the soil around the base of the plant. Fluid-conveying passagewaysare molded into at least one of these polymeric layers, which are meantto dispense and meter fluid into a root zone of the plant.

This mat system, however, has a number of disadvantages. The polymericmaterial layers that make up the mat are impervious to liquids andgases, which is not conducive to the overall health of the plant. For aplant to thrive, it needs the soil around its roots to contain a rangeof oxygen, nitrogen, and other gases that support the microbeenvironment of the soil. When an air impermeable mat is placed over thesoil that blocks the passage of air to and from the soil, there is arisk that the microbe environment of the soil around the root system ofthe plant will not be supported and consequently, the plant will notthrive. This mat system also has the water-conveying passages moldedinto the layers, requiring a more complicated manufacturing process. Forexample, there have to be a number of different molds designed dependingon the type of plant that will be watered by the mat. There also have tobe different molds for the top layer and bottom layer of each type ofmat. Additionally, when bonding the top layer to the bottom layer, extracare must also be taken to ensure that all of the areas are bound exceptfor the water passageways.

Accordingly, there is a need for a device that provides the benefits ofa typical mat watering system, but also is permeable to air to beconducive to soil and air gas exchange. There is also a need for a matwatering device that is inexpensive and simple to manufacture. Thepresent invention fulfills these needs and provides other relatedadvantages.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to an irrigation device forfacilitating growth of a plant. The invention generally comprises an airand water permeable mat which is disposable on a ground surface havingan opening through which a plant extends. A slit may be formed in themat to facilitate placement of the mat around an existing plant. A driptube is disposed within or attached to the mat. The drip tube has anopen end connectable to a water source and a series of spaced apartapertures or water emitters along a length thereof, permitting water toexit the drip tube, through the mat and into the ground surrounding theplant.

The mat may be comprised of a first sheet of material defining an uppermat surface and a second sheet of material defining a lower surface ofthe mat. The first and second sheets are attached to one another so asto retain the drip tube therebetween. The first and second sheets ofmaterial may be comprised of a heat fusible material that are heatfused-attached to one another.

The mat may be comprised of a water and air permeable molded or fusedmaterial in which the drip tube is suspended. The mat material maycomprise woven material, organic material, molded gel or foam.

One or more secondary openings may be formed in the mat, such as thefirst and second sheets of material, of a size for additional plants toextend through the mat. A pattern may also be formed on the mat, such ason the first and/or second sheet of mat material, to facilitate air orwater flow through the mat. The material comprising the mat, such as atleast one of the first and/or second sheets of material, may inhibitroots or plants from growing therethrough.

The first and second sheets of material comprising the mat may comprisea polymer having apertures therethrough to permit air and water to passthrough the mat. A plurality of hollow, downwardly directed spikes maybe formed in the second sheet of material. The tips of the spikes may beselectively removable to permit water to flow through the spikes andinto the ground.

A water conveying material may be disposed between the first and secondsheets of material comprising the mat.

The irrigation device may also comprise a support having a configurationto surround a plant and provide an opening through which the plantextends. The support may be comprised of a rigid material. The supportmay have a generally C-shaped configuration. The support may have agenerally circular configuration with free ends creating a slot forinsertion of a plant therethrough and into the opening in a centralportion thereof. The support may be generally planar. The support maycomprise a generally planar web or lattice structure.

A drip tube is attached to the support. The drip tube is connectable toa water source and has a series of spaced apart apertures or wateremitters along a length thereof to permit water to exit the drip tubeand into the ground surrounding the plant. The drip tube may becomprised of a flexible material. The drip tube may have a generallycircular or semi-circular configuration when attached to the support.The support may define an open-faced channel into which the drip tube isdisposed. The drip tube may be formed integrally with the support,including formed integrally with the web or lattice structure formingthe support.

The water emitters may have at least one of pressure compensating,anti-syphon, self-flushing, anti-clogging or check valve properties. Thewater emitters may comprise spray nozzles.

At least one sheet of material may extend over the support. The at leastone sheet of material may inhibit roots or plants from growingtherethrough. The at least one sheet of material may be water permeable.The at least one sheet of material may comprise upper and lower sheetsof material comprised of water permeable material disposed on upper andlower faces of the support.

A hollow stake may be associated with the mat. The hollow stake mayreceive fertilizer, insecticide or fungicide therein. The hollow stakeis configured to permit the fertilizer, insecticide or fungicide to passtherethrough and into the ground. The hollow stake may include a capremovably covering an open end of the stake. Other stakes may be usedthat extend through the mat or associated with the support for directingwater into the ground towards roots of an associated plant.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will becomeapparent from the following more detailed description, taken inconjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way ofexample, the principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings illustrate the invention. In such drawings:

FIG. 1 is a top view of an irrigation mat device for watering plants,embodying the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the mat, and an artificialturf overlay;

FIG. 3 is a top plan view of a drip tube having a plurality of wateremitters embedded therein, in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional view of area “3A” of FIG. 3, illustrating awater emitter within a drip tube, in accordance with the presentinvention;

FIG. 4 is a top perspective view of an irrigation mat device embodyingthe present invention;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an irrigation mat device positionedaround a plant, in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a view similar to FIG. 5, but illustrating mulch being placedover the mat, in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 7 is an environmental perspective view of a mat embodying thepresent invention designed to fit inside planting pots, in accordancewith the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a diagrammatic cross-sectional view of an irrigation matdevice disposed above ground and having a stake extending therethroughand channeling water into the ground, in accordance with the presentinvention;

FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view illustrating component parts thatcan comprise an irrigation mat device of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is an environmental view of an irrigation mat device having deepwatering stakes, in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a top perspective view of a drip tube used in accordance withthe present invention, and having a water dispersing sleeve wrappedaround the tubing;

FIG. 12 is a top plan view of drip tubing having netting attachedthereto, in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 13 is a top plan view of a support having a drip tube attachedthereto, in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 14 is an enlarged view of area “14”, illustrating the drip tubeclipped to the support;

FIG. 15 is an exploded perspective view of a drip tube which is receivedwithin an open-face channel of a support, having a plurality of wateroutlet apertures formed along a length thereof, in accordance with thepresent invention;

FIG. 16 is an exploded perspective view similar to FIG. 15, butillustrating sheets of material sandwiching the drip tube and supportchannel;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a rigid support structure having aplurality of hollow spikes extending downwardly therefrom, in accordancewith the present invention;

FIG. 18 is an enlarged view of a drip tube and spike of FIG. 17;

FIG. 19 is a top perspective view of an irrigation mat device embodyingthe present invention having water spray emitter nozzles, in accordancewith the present invention;

FIG. 20 is an enlarged view of area “20” of FIG. 19, illustrating anemitter;

FIG. 21 is a top perspective view of another irrigation mat deviceembodying the present invention and having water emitters;

FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view taken generally along line 22-22 ofFIG. 21, illustrating a tube within the irrigation mat device;

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of another irrigation mat embodying thepresent invention;

FIG. 23A is an enlarged perspective view of an area of FIG. 23,illustrating an open weave nature of one embodiment of the mat;

FIG. 24 is an environmental view of a plurality of irrigation matdevices connected together as part of an irrigation system, inaccordance with the present invention;

FIG. 25 is an environmental view of another irrigation system,illustrating a water conveying edging, used in accordance with thepresent invention;

FIG. 26 is an enlarged view of area “26” of FIG. 25;

FIG. 27 is another irrigation mat device embodying the presentinvention, which accommodates a plurality of plants along a lengththereof, in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 28 is another irrigation mat device embodying the present inventionfor use in association with multiple plants in a simultaneous manner;

FIG. 29 is another irrigation mat device embodying the present inventionfor use in association with multiple plants in a simultaneous manner;

FIGS. 30A and 30B are irrigation mat devices embodying the presentinvention of different configurations;

FIG. 31 is an irrigation mat device embodying the present inventionhaving a plurality of secondary apertures extending through the mat, inaccordance with the present invention;

FIG. 32 is a top perspective view of another irrigation mat deviceembodying the present invention having an air and water movementfacilitating pattern formed therein, in accordance with the presentinvention;

FIG. 33 is an exploded view of another irrigation mat device embodyingthe present invention having apertures that provide air and waterpermeability through the mat, in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 34 is a cross-sectional view of the mat of FIG. 33;

FIG. 35 is an exploded perspective view of another irrigation mat deviceembodying the present invention having a plurality of spikes extendingfrom a bottom surface thereof;

FIG. 36 is a cross-sectional view of the mat of FIG. 35;

FIG. 37 is a cross-sectional view illustrating removal of a closed endof a spike to permit water to pass therethrough, in accordance with thepresent invention;

FIG. 38 is a top view of an irrigation mat device embodying the presentinvention comprised of a web or lattice structure having a drip tubeintegrally formed therewith, in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 39 is an elevational view of a hollow stake with an open cap, usedin accordance with the present invention; and

FIG. 40 is an elevational and partially sectioned view of the hollowstake of FIG. 39, having fertilizer or the like inserted therein withthe cap closed, in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

As shown in the drawings, for exemplary purposes, the present inventionis directed to an irrigation device in the form of a watering mat thatefficiently irrigates and waters plants associated with the mat.Typically, the mat is designed so as to inhibit weeds or root growththerethrough as well. The irrigation mat device of the present inventionprovides an efficient way to irrigate plants by optimizing water releaserates, preventing water evaporation, preventing water runoff, andhelping to control weeds while being simple in design so as to be easyto manufacture and install.

With reference now to FIGS. 1-4, a particularly preferred embodiment ofthe irrigation device of the present invention is shown. FIGS. 1 and 4illustrate top perspective views of the device, which comprises a mat 10in an assembled state having an opening 12, typically centrally locatedwithin the mat 10, through which a plant extends. A slit 14 extendsbetween the opening 12 and an outer edge 16 of the mat, the slitenabling the mat 10 to be opened so as to facilitate placement of themat 10 around an existing plant, such that a base of the plant extendsthrough the opening 12. The mat is placed on a ground surfacesurrounding the plant so as to typically prevent weed growth around theplant, which would compete with the plant for water, nutrients and thelike. Moreover, the mat 10 surrounds the plant so as to overlie a rootzone of the plant and provide water and irrigate the root zone of theplant, without unnecessarily watering or irrigating areas betweenplants, which in conventional irrigation practices is wasted either dueto evaporation, or promoting weed growth and the like.

The mat 10, as illustrated, is typically generally circular or C-shapedas most plants' root zones are below the plant. However, the device ofthe present invention is not limited to such a configuration and canhave different configurations, as needed. Moreover, the mat device 10 ofthe present invention can be provided in differing sizes such that thecentral opening 12 is smaller or larger depending upon the plant thedevice 10 is to be used in association with, as well as having a smalleror larger overall diameter so as to accommodate different plants,shrubs, trees and the like.

With reference now to FIG. 2, the mat device 10 of the present inventionis typically comprised of an upper first sheet of material 18 which isair and water permeable and a lower second sheet of material 20 which isalso air and water permeable. These sheets of material 18 and 20 are cutto the desired size and configuration of the mat device 10. They alsocooperatively form the central opening 12 and the slit 14.

The sheets of material 18 and 20 may be comprised of a landscape fabric,such as a geotextile fabric. Such fabrics can be non-woven and woven.The non-woven fabrics are often fabricated by using a spun-bondedmethod, which sandwiches melt-blown material. For example, polyethylene,polyester, polypropylene materials or combinations thereof may bespun-bonded to create a filter-type fabric which blocks sunlight and issufficiently tight in nature so as to prevent weeds from growing, butalso air and moisture permeable. Such may be in the form of apolypropylene fleece. Tightly woven mesh fabrics that are sufficientlystrong and prevent weed or root growth therethrough, while still beingair and water permeable may also be used. Such materials and fabricsprovide distinct advantages over other materials, such as plastic. Whilesheets of plastic stop weeds, it also keeps air and water away from thesoil, so plant-killing diseases develop. Landscape or geotextile fabricsused in accordance with the present invention facilitate air, water andmoisture, and nutrient and healthy organism growth beneath the fabric sothat the associated plant can grow and thrive. It will be appreciatedthat while both sheets of material 18 and 20 may inhibit root and weedgrowth therethrough, only one of the sheets of fabric 18 or 20 isrequired to have such characteristics and achieve the purposes of thepresent invention.

With continuing reference to FIG. 2, an irrigation drip tube 22 issandwiched between the upper and lower sheets of material 18 and 20. Asillustrated in FIG. 2, the drip tube 22 is formed into a configurationsubstantially that of the overall mat 10. As illustrated in FIG. 2, asingle tube is bent into a generally C-shaped configuration, withsections of tubing being spaced apart from one another for enhancedwater coverage, and the open ends being attached to a barbed teeconnector 24. The tee connector 24 is connected to tubing 26 which isconnected to a source of water. Thus, a closed-loop, which may besingle, spaced apart, or spiraled or the like is formed between theupper and lower sheets of fabric material 18 and 20. The tube istypically comprised of flexible polyethylene, such as being one quarterinch in diameter, although different materials and sizes may beutilized.

With reference to FIG. 3, in a particularly preferred embodiment,emitters 28 are formed integrally with the tubing 22 which have outlets30 which fluidly communicate with apertures 32 in the drip tubing 22 sothat water can exit therethrough. The emitters 28 comprise a section ofrigid tubing having a cross-sectional diameter which is larger than thatof the drip tube 22. FIG. 3A illustrates a cross-sectional view of therelationship between the emitter 28 and the tubing 22. For convenienceand clarity of illustration, the various drip tubes 22 illustratedherein do not show the emitters 28, although it will be appreciated thatthe embedded emitters can be incorporated into each of these embodimentsand the use of the embedded emitters is a particularly preferredembodiment.

With continuing reference to FIG. 3, the emitters 28 may have certaindesirable characteristics. For example, the emitter may be designed soas to be self-flushing, where sediment and debris is flushed through theemitter without clogging. In addition, or alternatively, the emitter 28may also be pressure compensating in that it delivers a precise amountof water regardless of changes in pressure due to long rows, changes interrain, or the like. In addition, or alternatively, the emitters 28 mayalso provide root intrusion barrier, in other words a physical or otherdeterrent which inhibits root intrusion into the emitter outlet, thuspreventing clogging of the emitter 28. In addition, or alternatively,the emitter 28 may also have anti-syphon or vacuum breakercharacteristics or features, so as to eliminate back-syphonagepreventing debris from being drawn back into the emitter which wouldresult in clogging. In addition, or alternatively, the emitters 28 mayalso have a check valve characteristic, which may be used in connectionwith the pressure compensating characteristics, in that the emitterswould have a built-in check valve to keep the tubing charged with waterat all times, eliminating leaking at the lowest point on shutdown.

With reference now to FIG. 4, in the illustrated embodiment, the upperand lower sheets of fabric material 18 and 20 are attached to oneanother so as to sandwich and retain the drip tube 22 therebetween.While this may be done in a variety of manner and used in a variety ofmethods, in a particularly preferred embodiment, as illustrated in FIG.4, the first and second sheets of material 18 and 20 are heat fused toone another. Such a heat fusion weld 34 is typically formed adjacent tothe inner and outer peripheral edges, as illustrated in FIG. 4. Otherheat fusion welds 34 may be formed intermediate these inner and outeredges so as to retain the drip tube 22 in place and attach the sheets offabric material 18 and 20 to one another. Heat fusing the sheets ofmaterial to one another has found to be an efficient and environmentallyfriendly way of forming the mat, and keeping the drip tube 22 in itsdesired location. Heat fusing the sheets 18 and 20 to one another avoidsthe cost and complications of stitching the sheets together, and avoidsthe environmental hazards and deleterious effects to the surroundingplants by using adhesives and the like. Moreover, heat fusing the outerperimeter prevents water from seeping out of the outer peripheral edgeof the mat 10, and instead retains the water within the mat 10 so thatit is directed downwardly into the ground and to the roots of the plantassociated with the mat 10.

A method of fabricating the mat 10 illustrated in FIGS. 1-4 is to cutthe upper and lower fabric layers 18 and 20 to the desired shape. Alength of drip tubing corresponding to the size of the mat 10 is formedinto the desired configuration with both ends being inserted into thebarbed tee connector 24 so as to create a single open end and a closedloop. Typically, an additional section of tubing 26 is connected to thetee connector 24 for coupling to the water source. The drip tubing isplaced onto the lower sheet of fabric 20, and the upper sheet of fabricis properly positioned over the lower sheet of fabric 20, such that theupper and lower sheets 18 and 20 are generally aligned with one another,whereupon heat fusion welds 34 are created that adhere the upper andlower sheets 18 and 20 to one another, sandwiching the drip tube 22therebetween. FIG. 4 illustrates a completed irrigation mat deviceembodying the present invention utilizing this method.

With reference now to FIGS. 5 and 6, an irrigation mat device 10embodying the present invention is shown disposed around the base of aplant 2, in accordance with the present invention. The area of the plant2 which is covered by the mat device 10 will have weeds and rootsinhibited from growing there. Moreover, as water is fed through tube 26and into the mat device 10, water flows through the water emitters 28and the drip tube, substantially soaking at least the lower sheet offabric material 20 so that a substantially even amount of water isconveyed to the roots of the plant below the mat 10.

A covering material 36, such as mulch, gravel, decomposed granite or thelike may be placed over the mat device 10, as shown in FIG. 6. This notonly serves the purpose of providing an aesthetically pleasing look, butalso further reduces evaporation of moisture and water from the mat 10.

With reference again to FIG. 2, where the plant 2 is within a section oflawn, a section of artificial turf 38 having a configuration matchingthat of the mat device 10 and also having an opening 40 through whichthe plant extends and a slit 42 for opening the section of artificialturf 38 so as to be disposed around the plant and over the mat may beutilized so as to give the appearance of a continuous area of lawn andturf, including immediately surrounding the plant.

With reference now to FIG. 7, the irrigation mat device 10 of thepresent invention may not only be used in connection with plants whichare planted and growing within the ground, but also within containers 4.Although the mat may be generally circular, it may also have aconfiguration substantially matching that of the container 4, such asbeing generally square as illustrated in FIG. 7. Such may be usedindividually for planters at a residence or business establishment, orit is also contemplated that a series of mats 10 embodying the presentinvention may be used with a large number of containers, such as at anursery or the like. Use of the irrigation mat device 10 of the presentinvention with containers 4 provides the same advantages as with plantsgrowing in the ground, namely, predictable water flow rates, efficientuse of water while avoiding evaporation, and prevention of weeds.

With reference again to FIGS. 1 and 4, the irrigation mat devices 10 mayinclude anchor apertures 44 formed therein for the insertion of pins orstakes or the like for holding the mat 10 in place. Such apertures maybe surrounded by grommets 46.

With reference to FIG. 8, a stake 48 is shown extending through the mat10, such as through anchor aperture 44, and into the ground below themat 10. It has been found that the stakes 48 can serve to direct waterfrom the mat 10 into the ground and towards the roots of the plant. Theconfiguration of the stakes 48 may be such so as to facilitate this. Thestakes may include channels 50 formed along the length thereof whichserve to direct the water downwardly along the length of the stake, asshown by the directional arrows in FIG. 8. The stakes may also includeupwardly directed barbs 52, which enable easy insertion of the stakeinto the ground, but resist the stake 48 being pulled from the ground asit is lifted, so as to retain the mat 10 in place.

With reference now to FIG. 9, a pad or layer of water dispersementmaterial 54 may be disposed between the upper and lower sheets of fabricmaterial 18 and 20 which can serve to capture the water emitted from thedrip tube 22 and evenly distribute the water to the lower surfacematerial 20, or alternatively or in addition to have water retentionproperties so as to retain water and more slowly provide the water forirrigation purposes over a prolonged period of time as it seeps throughthe material 54 and lower fabric layer 20 by either gravitational forcesor by virtue of the underlying ground being drier than these materialsand wicking away the water. Polymers, including polymer sand or gels,may be added to increase water-holding properties of the mat.

FIG. 9 also illustrates the drip tube 22 operably connected to a mainline 56 tube which provides water to individual mats 10. Moreover,although the emitters 28 are self-flushing in nature, there may arisecircumstances where additional flushing is necessary or the emitters arenot used, and thus a flushing valve 58 may be provided at an end of thedrip tube 22 which would allow the drip tubing to be cleared of debristhat may accumulate therein.

With reference to FIGS. 9 and 10, it is contemplated by the presentinvention that hollow stakes or other similar deep watering devices 60be operably connected to the drip tube 22 of the mat 10, such as byconnecting tubes 62. These hollow stakes or watering members 60 arehollow and have at least one water outlet 64 formed towards a lower endthereof. Typically, a series of outlet apertures 64 are formed in thewall of the stake 60. This allows water to be conveyed to areas thatmight not otherwise be dispersed by the mat, such as an area extendingbeyond the mat device 10, or as a means of delivering water deeper intothe ground and towards the roots of the plant 2 in a more speedilymanner. Such hollow stake device watering members 60 may be used insteadof the emitters 28 within the drip tube so as to be the only source ofwater, or may be used in addition to the water emitters 28 and the driptube 22.

With reference now to FIG. 11, it is contemplated that the drip tubing22 may be comprised of perforated soaker hose, or comprised of amaterial which slowly releases water therefrom. Alternatively, asillustrated in FIG. 11, a sleeve 8 may be wrapped around the driptubing, which is comprised of fleece or other material which has waterholding and dispersement properties. The sleeve 68 may replace the waterdispersement pad or material 54. The sleeve 68 would become soaked alonga length thereof, and serve to disperse water along the entire length ofthe sleeve, and not only at the water outlet apertures of the emitters28. However, the lower surface fabric material 20 can be selected suchthat it will substantially become soaked by the spaced apart wateremitters 28 and substantially uniformly disperse water therefrom,whether such water is obtained from the water emitters 28 directly,apertures formed in the drip tubing 22, sleeves 68, or a waterdispersement pad or material, such as sand or encapsulated polymer sand.

With reference now to FIG. 12, it is contemplated by the presentinvention that the drip tubing 22 be attached to a support, such as theillustrated netting 70. The netting 70, typically comprised of plastic,functions to hold the tubing 22 in the shape of the plant watering mat10 and prevent the tubes 22 from coming close together and alsoretaining their desired shape and configuration.

With reference to FIGS. 13 and 14, another support 72 is shown having awaffle-like configuration with a meshwork forming large aperturestherein. The drip tubing 22 in this case is attached to the support 72,such as by means of clips 74 or other retaining means which holds thetubing 22 to the rigid support 72 in place, in a desired shape andconfiguration. Such clips 74 could also comprise ties or fasteners whichcan be selectively mounted to both the support 72 and the drip tube 22so as to create different configurations as deemed necessary.

With reference now to FIGS. 15 and 16, yet another support 76 in theform of a rigid, open-faced channel is shown. The channel has a diameterand size which enables the drip tubing 22 to be placed therein and heldin place. The rigid channel 76 is molded or otherwise formed in thedesired configuration of the drip tube 22. A series of apertures 78 areformed in the channel to serve as water outlet apertures as water isemitted from the drip tube 22, such that the water may be conveyed tothe other portions of the mat and/or ground surface. The supportsillustrated in FIGS. 12-15 may be sandwiched within the upper and lowerlayers 18 and 20 of fabric material to form part of the mat.

With reference now to FIGS. 17 and 18, yet another support 80 is shown,with integrally formed stakes in the form of hollow water directingmembers 82. As can be seen in FIG. 18, water, shown by the directionalarrows, flows from the drip tube 22, positioned on the support 80, intoan open end or inlet 84 of the water directing member 82, such that thewater flows down into the water directing member and subsequently flowsout of the water directing member, such as through outlets thereof. Thisprovides a means for directing water deeper into the ground and towardsthe roots of the plant in an efficient manner.

With reference now to FIGS. 19 and 20, the invention contemplates theuse of spray water emitter nozzles which are operably connected to andextend from the tubing 22 and either drip water therefrom or spray watertherefrom. Although such nozzles 86 could be sandwiched between theupper and lower layers of sheets of fabric material 18 and 20, it isalso contemplated that only a lower sheet of fabric material 20 would beused, wherein the tubing 22 and spray nozzles 86 are disposed thereon,such as illustrated in FIG. 19. This embodiment would serve to spraywater onto the lower sheet of fabric material 20 as well as an areasurrounding the mat. The lower sheet of material 20 could have the samecharacteristics as described above with respect to air and waterpermeability, yet preventing roots and weeds growing therethrough.

With reference now to FIGS. 21 and 22, yet another embodiment of theirrigation mat device of the present invention is shown, wherein sprayemitter nozzles 86 are operably attached to the tubing 22 and extendthrough a weighted collar 88. The weighted collar 88 is typicallydisposed around an outer peripheral edge of the mat and serves to holdthe mat in place. As illustrated, the water spray nozzles 86 may directwater inwardly towards the opening 12 and the plant. As illustrated inFIG. 22, the mat is still comprised of the upper and lower sheets ofmaterial 18 and 20, but around the peripheral edge defining the weightedcollar 88 material, such as sand or other such material 90 fills thecollar 88 and gives it sufficient weight to hold the mat in place andsupport the spray nozzles 86.

The spray nozzles 86, such as illustrated in FIGS. 19-21, can compriseretractable pop-up nozzles. The water emitting nozzle would be attachedto a neck or the like, which extends upwardly in the presence of waterpressure such that the nozzle of the spray nozzle 86 is raised above theuppermost layer of the drip tubing or mat, but which retracts when thewater pressure is absent, so as to retract closer to or even into thedrip tube.

With reference now to FIG. 23, yet another irrigation mat device 92 isshown with a central opening or aperture 12 and a slit 14 and having thedrip tube 22 disposed therein. The mat is comprised of a water and airpermeable molded or fused material in which the drip tube 22 issuspended. The air and water permeable material may be injected, fused,or the like. It may be comprised of a molded gel, woven material,organic material, foam, biodegradable material, felt, polymer, coir, orthe like. It may have ultraviolet resistant and/or chemical resistantproperties.

With reference to FIG. 23A, instead of being comprised of a materialwhich inhibits roots or plants from growing therethrough, the mat 92 maybe comprised of a material which allows roots and plants to growtherethrough. Such might be the case, for example, in an area wherethere is lawn or turf or even wild grasses or other plants in which thegrass or other plants are desired to grow around the tree, shrub orother plant which is irrigated by means of the mat 92. Thus, forexample, instead of utilizing the artificial turf 38 in FIG. 2, the mat92 of FIG. 23 could be used and grass allowed to grow therethrough overtime. As illustrated in FIG. 23A, the mat is comprised of a material 94which is woven to create openings and passageways 96 to permit roots andplants to grow therethrough. The material 94 may be a honeycombfilter-type material. The material comprising the mat 92 is woven orotherwise formed in such a manner so as to create the passageways topermit roots and plants to grow therethrough.

With reference now to FIG. 24, an environmental view is shown ofmultiple irrigation mat devices 10 embodying the present inventionoperably placed around a plurality of plants 2 and connected to a mainline 98 of a water source 100, such as a spigot or the like. The mainline 98 may be a hose or tube to which the smaller lines 26 extendingfrom the mats 10 may be connected. This may be, for example, by means ofT-junctions or any other means of fluidly coupling the tubes and linesto one another. In this manner, when the main source of water 100 isopened, all of the mats 10 receive water, and thus irrigate the plants,creating an irrigation system which waters the plants simultaneously.

With reference now to FIGS. 25 and 26, another irrigation system isshown, but in this case instead of a larger tube or hose being utilized,the tubes or lines 26 extending from mats 10 are operably connected tolandscape edging 102. The landscape edging includes a hollow tube 104 ata crown of a blade 106 thereof which extends into the soil or ground.The hollow tube 104 can convey water to supply to the mats 10, while theblade 106 inserted into the soil presents an edge which prevents plantmaterial from growing from one area into another, such as around theboundary of a garden bed and grass, for example. Utilizing suchlandscaping edging 102 can also be used to securely place the source ofwater in the ground which will not be easily moved.

With reference now to FIGS. 27 and 28, additional mats 108 and 110embodying the present invention are shown. These mats are sized andconfigured so as to accommodate the watering and irrigation of multipleplants simultaneously, all of which extend through openings 112 of themats. A tube or line 26 connected to a water source is connected to thedrip line 22, which extends through the mat 108 and 110. Similar to thatdescribed above, water is emitted into the mat which can then irrigatethe plants which extend through the openings 112 of the mats 27 and 28.The openings 112 may not comprise enlarged openings or apertures, butinstead slits into which small plants, seeds, etc. may be inserted andthe plant allowed to grow up through the slits and openings 112. Thismay be useful, for example, when planting seeds, small plants or bushes,which will be close to one another, such as in a flower bed or the like.

With reference now to FIG. 29, another irrigation mat device 10embodying the present invention is illustrated. The mat is enlarged soas to have a plurality of spaced-apart plant openings 12, each of whichhave a slit 14 formed to a peripheral edge thereof such that the mat 10can be placed around multiple existing plants, bushes or trees or thelike. Alternatively, seeds, small plants or the like could be plantedwithin the space of the opening 12. It will be understood that the mat10 would include a drip tube disposed therein or associated therewith,as described above, for watering the plants, in accordance with thepresent invention.

With reference now to FIGS. 30A and 30B, it will be appreciated that themats 10 of the present invention can have various configurations, suchas the illustrated triangular configuration, square configuration, etc.and is not limited to a generally circular configuration. Suchconfigurations can be useful in certain circumstances, such as if theplant is disposed adjacent to a wall, a corner of a building, etc.

With reference now to FIG. 31, another mat 10 embodying the presentinvention is shown. This mat 10 has a configuration similar to thatpreviously described with respect to FIGS. 1-4 in that it is comprisedof first and second sheets of material defining the upper and lowersurfaces of the mat which are attached to one another, such as by beingheat fused-attached to one another or the like. A large opening 12 isformed, typically in a center portion thereof, for placement of a plant,such as a bush, tree, or the like. A slit 14 provides the ability toplace the mat 10 around an existing large plant. The central or largeraperture 12 comprises a primary or first aperture. Additional secondaryapertures 114 are formed through the mat. These secondary openings 114may be of a size for additional plants to extend through the mat. Forexample, a tree trunk may extend through the first or central aperture12, with smaller plants or bushes extending through the secondaryapertures 114. The secondary apertures 114 could be used to plant seedsor small plantings surrounding a larger plant, bush or tree or the like.The secondary apertures 116 may be of varying sizes, as illustrated, toaccommodate plants of varying sizes. Alternatively, openings orapertures 116 could be used for insertion of stakes or other securingdevices or the like.

With reference now to FIG. 32, a mat 10 is illustrated which may have aconfiguration similar to that described above, particularly with respectto FIGS. 1-4. However, in this case, a pattern is formed in the matmaterial, such as by embossing or the like. The pattern 118 serves tocreate areas where the sheets of material are brought to one another orare raised and apart from one another. This creates passageways whichfacilitates air or water flow through the mat. This may be used, forexample, to direct water from the drip tube to areas of the mat whichare spaced apart from the drip tube, so as to water the plant moreevenly across the area of the mat.

With reference now to FIGS. 33 and 34, it is contemplated by the presentinvention that the upper 18 and lower 20 sheets of material be comprisedof a plastic or polymer, which could be flexible, rigid, or semi-rigid.The drip tube 22 would be disposed between the layers of material 18 and20. As the polymeric or plastic material would not be air or waterpermeable, a plurality of small apertures 120 are formed in the upperand lower sheets 18 and 20 of material such that air and water can passtherethrough, thus providing water to the plant below the mat 10 andproviding the benefits of being air and water permeable to the health ofthe ground and the plant, as described above. The apertures 120 may bealigned, as illustrated in FIG. 34, or may be offset from one another,so long as air and water can travel therethrough. A water retainingand/or disbursing layer, such as illustrated and described in FIG. 9,could be placed between the plastic or polymeric sheets 18 and 20.

With reference now to FIGS. 35-37, as a variation to the mat 10illustrated in FIG. 33, the lower layer or sheet 20, comprised of aplastic or polymeric material, could have a plurality of downwardlydirected spikes 122 formed therein. The spikes 122 would serve to firmlysecure and attach the mat 10 to the ground surface. The upper layer 18may be comprised of a plastic or polymeric material having apertures 120formed therein, as described above, or may be formed of an air and waterpermeable material. As illustrated in FIGS. 36 and 37, the spikes 122may have closed ends, which can be removed, such as by cutting the endsof the spikes, as illustrated in FIG. 37, so as to permit water to flowtherethrough. This could be useful, for example, to allow water flowonly to desired areas. For example, in a slope installation, only theuphill side of the mat 10 would have the spikes 122 cut, so as to allowwater to flow on the uphill portion of the slope, which would naturallyflow downhill. It is contemplated, however, that all of the spikes 122be open-ended so as to allow water to flow therethrough, such as fromthe drip tube 22.

With reference now to FIG. 38, a mat 10 is shown formed of a web orlattice structure 124. The mat 10 may be generally planar. The web orlattice structure may be formed of various material, but typically aplastic material which may be flexible, rigid, or semi-rigid. The driptube 22 is formed integrally with the lattice structure 124. The driptube 22 would be hollow and have a series of apertures or emitters 28spaced along a length thereof for emitting water from the drip tube 22.The remainder of the lattice structure 124 may also be hollow, butclosed off from the pathway of the drip tube 22. Alternatively, theentirety of the lattice structure 124 is generally hollow and has aseries of apertures of emitters 28 formed therein for emitting water atdesired locations or in a desired pattern. It will be understood thatthe mat 10 may comprise only the web or lattice structure 124 and driptube 22, or the structure may be either suspended within a mat materialor disposed between upper and lower layers thereof, as deemed necessaryor desirable.

With reference now to FIGS. 39 and 40, a hollow stake 126 is illustratedwhich may be used in association with any of the mats 10 illustrated anddescribed above. As an example, the hollow stake 126 may be insertedinto a secondary aperture 114 or 116 of the mat 10 illustrated in FIG.31. Alternatively, the hollow stake 126 may be inserted into the groundinto the primary or central aperture 12 of the mat 10, or in associationwith the mat 10, such as adjacent to a peripheral edge thereof.

The stake 126 is hollow and has a plurality of apertures 128 formed in awall 130 thereof, or alternatively the wall 130 is permeable, such thatcontents placed within the stake 126 may be dispensed from the stake126. Ribs 132, such as the illustrated spiral ribs, may be provided forstrength, such as when inserting the stake 126 into hard soils or thelike. The stake 126 has an open end 134 which may be closed, such as bymeans of a cap 136 having a clasp 138 which engages a portion of thestake 126 so as to be retained in a closed state in a selective manner.

In use, as illustrated in FIG. 40, the hollow interior of the stake 126is filled with a desired material 140, typically fertilizer, insecticideor fungicide. Over time, the material 140, in the form of a fertilizer,insecticide or fungicide, will pass through the wall 130, such asthrough openings 128, and into the ground. This will serve to fertilizethe one or more plants associated with the mat, or to provide protectiondue to the insecticide or fungicide, etc. which is dispensed from thehollow stake 126. As necessary, the cap 136 is opened and additionalmaterial 140 inserted into the hollow stake 126 to replenish thematerial 140.

Although several embodiments have been described in detail for purposesof illustration, various modifications may be made without departingfrom the scope and spirit of the invention. Accordingly, the inventionis not to be limited, except as by the appended claims.

1.-20. (canceled)
 21. A plant irrigation device, comprising: a supporthaving a configuration to surround a plant and provide an openingthrough which the plant extends; and a drip tube attached to thesupport, the drip tube connectable to a water source and having a seriesof spaced apart apertures or water emitters along a length thereofpermitting water to exit the drip tube and into the ground surroundingthe plant.
 22. The irrigation device of claim 1, wherein the support iscomprised of a rigid material.
 23. The irrigation device of claim 1,wherein the support has a generally C-shaped configuration.
 24. Theirrigation device of claim 1, wherein the support has a generallycircular configuration with free ends creating a slot for insertion of aplant therethrough and into the opening in a central portion thereof.25. The irrigation device of claim 1, wherein the support defines anopen-faced channel into which the drip tube is disposed.
 26. Theirrigation device of claim 1, wherein the support is generally planar.27. The irrigation device of claim 1, wherein the drip tube has agenerally circular or semi-circular configuration when attached to thesupport.
 28. The irrigation device of claim 1, wherein the drip tube iscomprised of a flexible material.
 29. The irrigation device of claim 1,including at least one sheet of material extending over the support. 30.The irrigation device of claim 9, wherein the at least one sheet ofmaterial inhibits roots or plants from growing therethrough.
 31. Theirrigation device of claim 9, wherein the at least one sheet of materialcomprises upper and lower sheets of material comprised of waterpermeable material disposed on opposite upper and lower faces of thesupport.
 32. The irrigation device of claim 1, wherein the supportcomprises a generally planar web or lattice structure.
 33. Theirrigation device of claim 11, wherein the drip tube is formedintegrally with the web or lattice structure.
 34. The irrigation deviceof claim 1, wherein the water emitters comprise spray nozzles.
 35. Theirrigation device of claim 1, including hollow stakes associated withthe support that direct water into the ground.
 36. The irrigation deviceof claim 1, wherein the drip tube is formed integrally with the support.37. The irrigation device of claim 1, wherein the water emitters have atleast one of pressure compensating, anti-siphon, anti-clogging,self-flushing or check valve properties.
 38. A plant irrigation device,comprising: a rigid support having a generally circular configuration tosurround a plant and provide a central opening through which the plantextends, the support defining an open-faced channel; and a drip tubedisposed within the open-faced channel of the support, the drip tubeconnectable to a water source and having a series of spaced apartapertures or water emitters along a length thereof permitting water toexit the drip tube and into the ground surrounding the plant.
 39. Theirrigation device of claim 18, wherein the support has free endscreating a slot for insertion of a plant therethrough and into thecentral opening thereof.
 40. The irrigation device of claim 18, whereinthe support is generally planar.
 41. The irrigation device of claim 18,wherein the drip tube has a generally circular or semi-circularconfiguration when attached to the support.
 42. The irrigation device ofclaim 18, wherein the drip tube is comprised of a flexible material. 43.The irrigation device of claim 18, wherein the water emitters have atleast one of pressure compensating, anti-siphon, anti-clogging,self-flushing or check valve properties.
 44. The irrigation device ofclaim 18, wherein the support has a generally C-shaped configuration.